Peace Corps 40 - The Ava Ceremony

[samoanboi714]

oh if my grandfather was still alive he would be the orator he was the best EVER.

[tclaie808]

Dayumm we're doing the ava ceremonies for tourists now? How sad! We going to end up like the Hawaiians!

[psilentzeo]

Tourists? This was a gathering of the first Peace Corps volunteers who came to Samoa 40 years ago. For many of them this was their first time coming back to Samoa since their service ended. They helped build the program that continues to help Samoa to this day. Have a little respect.

[tclaie808]

Calm down buddy. Just a little misunderstanding...hehehe...do­nt get all ita and sheiit...take a deep breath..okay not exhale..I thought it was tourists ok? LOL My bad buddy...

[galuegagmail]

aye...u crak me up! LOLOL..

[Tamaleaitu]

sole magaiga video malo le post

[Lagonaolealofa]

fa'afetai lava le post o video i le ava o le mea ua sili lona taua i le aganu'u fa'asamoa

[SivaTauTele]

Hey man,

To answer your question, the 'ava sticks are used usually as gifts or rewards as homage to great orators in Samoa, the 'ava sticks are sort of like trophies, and the sticks themselves are pounded to make the ceremonial drink: 'ava.

Although in this situation, the 'ava sticks are put next to the people (guests etc..) that have a well known reputation/well known/important etc...

And it is put next to them, mostly as a sign of respect.

Hope it helps...

[hajqbvii]

Faafetai lava

[SivaTauTele]

Afio mai.

[hajqbvii]

Alright, I admit I'm a palagi samoan, so will

someone tell me about those sticks being distributed and why?